“We couldn’t be more pleased that Disney has recognized the value of volunteerism and has selflessly offered its valuable time and resources, and its respected brand, to promote service to the community.”

-Robert K. Goodwin,
President and CEO
of the Points of Light Foundation

“Nothing could prepare us for the magic our Make-A-Wish trip brought to our family. The kindness that all of the Disney employees showed to my daughter, Laura, was unbelievable. They say that there are ‘defining moments’ in one’s life that are so powerful they have an everlasting impact. Our trip to Disney was definitely a ‘defining moment.’ It was the day I saw my little girl’s eyes shine without fear again!”

-Mother of a Make-A-Wish child

Putting a smile on a child’s face, creating magical experiences for families and providing creative voyages into the world of the imagination are all part of the Disney legacy. DisneyHand, along with many compassionate cast members – the Disney VoluntEARS – takes the magic of The Walt Disney Company to those in need.

DisneyHand homepage

Compassion at DisneyHand can take many forms: cheering on an athlete at the Special Olympics, holding a party at a children’s hospital, granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, “adopting” disadvantaged families and giving them a truly memorable holiday, or providing support for families in crisis, including those of the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Years ago, The Walt Disney Company partnered with Toys for Tots in the launch of the first Toys for Tots campaign. During 2002, Disney announced renewal of its relationship with Toys for Tots to help ensure that as many children as possible receive a toy during the holiday season.

During 2002, DisneyHand launched its Reading Together program to encourage parents and caregivers to read with children in ways that are fun and engaging. As part of this effort, DisneyHand has partnered with non-profit First Book, which provides books to children who have none. Disney Publishing Worldwide has committed 1 million books to First Book as part of the initiative. Messages sharing DisneyHand’s 10 “Reading Together Tips” have been broadcast on ABC, Disney Channel and across the ABC Cable Networks Group. DisneyHand also is the proud sponsor of “Reading Together with Laura Bush,” a new program on Radio Disney hosted by the First Lady and featuring celebrity readers and tips for great reading experiences.

continue to part II of DisneyHand >>

The Santa Clause 2 World Premiere continued a 55-year relationship between Disney and Toys for Tots that began with Walt Disney. Walt designed the logo still in use today by Toys for Tots, and this past year Disney donated over 100,000 toys.

More than 2,000 Disney VoluntEARS participated in CHOC Walk for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. For the first time, this annual fund-raising event took place at the Disneyland Resort.

Mary Poppins visits with a Make-A-Wish child. A Disney-related experience is the first choice of families benefiting from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Through the Foundation, children with life-threatening illnesses – and their families – visit Disney parks or enjoy other Disney experiences.